New Volkswagen Models: $55,000 - $85,000

German based Volkswagen originated in 1934 when Ferdinand Porsche built a small, affordable vehicle. He called this car a Volkswagen. Unfortunately, the production of this vehicle was delayed during World War II. By the 1940s, the Volkswagen Beetle was being produced for general sale to the public. It wasn’t until 1949, however, that the Beetle was sold on US soil.

In the 1950s, Volkswagen introduced the iconic VW Bus. Offering drivers versatility, adaptability, fuel economy and reliability, the Bus became an extremely popular vehicle. In addition, it was during this decade that the Volkswagen Beetle rose to the top as the best-selling vehicle of all time.

Through the 1960s, thanks in part to Disney, the Beetle became so popular that it surpassed the one-million mark in units sold. This success continued into the 1970s when the Beetle surpassed 15 million assembled units. By the mid-1970s Volkswagen introduced the Passast and the Golf, both of which were extremely popular vehicles both home and abroad.

Volkswagen’s success waned throughout the 1990s in America, but the company was revived late in the decade with the revised Beetle – which had fallen out of production. This vehicle revitalized the company and pushed Volkswagens product line forward.

Today Volkswagen sells twenty-three models, including the redesigned Beetle, the popular Golf, Jetta, and Passat. In addition, the auto manufacturer produces several versions of the same vehicles with both diesel and gasoline engines, and as both hatchbacks and sedans. Volkswagen is still known today for reliability and successful imports that remain popular with American buyers.